Moscow Appears to Have Finally Defined Its Approach to De-Facto States in Eurasia

So far, only Moscow has recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and in the nearest future there is not much hope that the list of recognizing states will grow. Although Russia has repeatedly refused to recognize the two breakaway republics in the past, as soon as its own security was threatened, its attitude toward the two entities quickly evolved – the country does not want to be seen as weak and insignificant, while another refusal would have tarnished its reputation. Thus the Kremlin seems to have chosen the easiest way out.
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Leaders of the “Shanghai Six” Give Russia Cautious Approval, but Stop Short of Denouncing Georgia

As Russia faces mounting international criticism over its decision to recognize the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Tajikistan’s capital Dushanbe bore crucial importance. The Kremlin’s problem is that no country in Western Europe or in the Americas supported President Dmitry Medvedev’s decision to recognize the two separatist regions. In this situation, support from the SCO would be very useful, psychologically as well as strategically.
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Despite Widespread Popularity, Apple Will Face Difficulties Selling the iPhone in Russia

The Apple iPhone gained popularity in Russia long before any talk of its official launch in the country. A deal has now been announced between Apple and Russia’s three major mobile operators, VimpelCom, MTS and Megafon, to officially introduce the gadget. Until now, the phone has been extensively sold under the counter, inspiring confidence that it would indeed be successful on one of the world’s hottest cell phone markets. However, Apple’s high sales expectations are not likely to be met.
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Despite Having Been Affected by the Russo-Georgian Squabble, Both Armenia and Azerbaijan Cautiously Abstain From Taking Sides

The events of the “five-day war” in South Ossetia demonstrated that countries of the Southern Caucasus largely act according to their own national interests, and not on the assurances of “eternal friendships.” Thus, both Armenia and Azerbaijan behave in a careful and calculated manner, realizing that getting involved in the Russian-Georgian conflict bears a lot of “hidden reefs” which could prove to be more dangerous than the status-quo that is so despised by Baku and so cherished by Yerevan.
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Is a Military Confrontation Between Russia and NATO Impossible?

On more than one occasion in history, various crises demonstrated the ability to unfold according to their own, unnamed logic, and not according to the plans of the masterminds behind them. Such may also be the case with Russia’s present confrontation with the West over the breakaway republics of South Ossetia and Abkhazia – just when it looks like the conflict has been exhausted, it turns out that the passed grievances have been the mere tip of the iceberg.
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The United States and the EU Have Warned Moscow Against Recognizing Abkhazia and South Ossetia

The Russian leadership dramatically raised the stakes in its standoff with Georgia and Tbilisi’s sympathizers in the West. On Tuesday, Russia’s president signed a decree on the recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, the two separatist regions whose conflicts with the authorities in Tbilisi triggered three wars inside Georgia during the last 18 years. Since Dmitry Medvedev was expected to use the potential declaration as a bargaining tool in the future, many are now perplexed by his speedy decision.
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The West’s Policy of Ignoring Russia’s Demands Proved Perilous

The result of the recent showdown between Russia and Georgia on South Ossetian ground is hundreds if not thousands dead, many more wounded, and a dangerous deterioration of both the security situation in the Caucasus and the Russian-Western relations. What led the West down the path of a confrontation with Russia? How did we get sent “back to the future,” toward a new Cold War?
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“Socially-Enlightening” Marketing Initiatives Make Their Way into Moscow’s Advertising Domain

Organizers of several art initiatives in Moscow are hoping to elevate national artworks to new heights of cultural importance through advances in advertising and mass media technology. Reproductions of renowned masterpieces now adorn the streets through the “Art-Tour” and the “Masterpieces of World Art on the Streets of Russia’s Cities” projects, while paintings by the students of Sergei Andriyaka’s School of Watercolors brighten up mundane train rides on the Moscow metro.
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Russia Can Use Its Gas and Its Black Sea Fleet to Stop Ukraine from Joining NATO

Yesterday, President Viktor Yushchenko publicly called for Ukraine to “join NATO quickly,” apparently in response to the recent conflict in South Ossetia. This appeal reflects deepening concerns about how Ukraine should respond to the crisis, and there seems to be little agreement within Ukraine’s own political ranks on how to proceed. While the Ukrainian president has fixed his eyes on NATO, the prime minister has been reluctant to do so for fear of alienating pro-Russian voters.
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Russia Is on the Way to Repeating the Fate of some Latin American Countries

Following Russia’s somewhat excessive response to Georgia’s attack on South Ossetia, Dmitry Medvedev has no choice but to accept the de jure independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. But in reality, such an acceptance is not in Russia’s interests, as it will only further undermine foreign investor confidence and provoke retaliation from other geopolitical players—too high of a price to pay for a political statement.
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